A theme park near Lichfield has officially unveiled a new ride for younger visitors.
Drayton Manor Theme Park has introduced Blue Mountain Engines to its Thomas Land area.
The ride was opened by eight-year-old Jasmine Dowd, from Shuttington, Tamworth, who underwent-life saving surgery a year ago at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to give her a new kidney.
Popular Thomas & Friends character The Thin Controller was also present with his best bowler hat, making sure the new locomotives were on their best behaviour for the grand opening!
Jasmine’s mum, Claire Holloway, said:
“Our little Jasmine refuses to let her condition limit her quality of life, we all love her so much and the opportunity for her to open this new ride has given her a massive boost. She is off to compete in the Belfast transplant games soon – nothing is going to hold her back!”
Blue Mountain Engines features four carriages, each based on new characters from Skarloey Railway – Sir Handle, Skarloey, Rheneas and Peter Sam.
A total of 32 people will be able to go on the ride each time, including 16 adults, which means mums and dads can sit in the carriages with their children.
The ride is located near to the entrance of Thomas Land, replacing Terrance’s Driving School, which has been moved to an area near Farmer’s McColl’s Farm.
This is the first new ride for Thomas Land since the attraction opened in March 2008.
Drayton Manor Theme Park’s managing director, Colin Bryan, added:
“This new addition to Thomas Land will enhance the experience for all our visitors. There is nothing more fulfilling to a parent than watching their children smile, something I firmly believe this ride will make them do.”
For further information about the park or to book tickets go to www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1960.
